Renault and its alliance partner Nissan were early believers in the electric car, investing 4 billion euros to develop cars including the Renault Zoe subcompact hatchback and Nissan Leaf.

Normand, a veteran of nearly 30 years at Renault--Nissan who started in his current post on Jan. 1, has led Nissan's sales operations in Latin America, then Nissan's operations in Africa, Middle East and India before returning to Europe to take charge of Infiniti and light commercial vehicles in the region. Before taking on his current role on Jan. 1, he was head of Asia-Pacific for Renault.

ABOUT THE CONGRESS

What: 20th Automotive News Europe Congress

When: June 20-21

Where: Barcelona, Spain

Cost: 1,250 euros (about $1,370)

Information: ane-congress.com

Exclusive lead sponsor: EY

The 2017 Automotive News Europe Congress takes place June 21 at the Hotel Fairmont King Juan Carlos I, followed by a gala dinner at the Camp Nou stadium of Barcelona soccer club.

The previous evening, June 20, a ceremony will be held to honor ANE's Rising Stars at Casa Llotja de Mar in Barcelona.